Real Madrid have placed one foot in the final of the Copa del Rey by securing a 3-0 first-leg victory over local rivals Atletico Madrid at the Bernabeu tonight.
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A 17th-minute Pepe strike proved enough for Carlo Ancelotti's men to boast a slender half-time lead, before Jese and a Joao Miranda own goal consigned the reigning champions to a heavy first-leg defeat ahead of next week's conclusion at the Vicente Calderon.
The Portugual international opened the scoring in somewhat fortuitous circumstances, taking aim from the edge of the box before watching his effort fizz into the net via a deflection from defender Emiliano Insua.
Carlo Ancelotti's men cushioned their one-goal lead by doubling the advantage shortly before the hour mark, with youngster Jese on hand to poke Angel di Maria's teasing cross past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Luka Modric headed Diego Godin's goal-bound effort off the line on 73 minutes before the Blancos broke and established a three-goal lead, with Miranda deflecting Di Maria's ball past Courtois.
The hosts could have rendered next week's second leg a mere formality in the closing stages of normal time, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Isco both foiled in their attempts to find a fourth goal.
The Madrid giants renew hostilities again on Tuesday for the conclusion of the semi-final tie.
Shane Callaghan
